Gospel Reconciliation

Announcements:

Offering

Guest speakers - Sammy Martinez - Larry Powers - Ben Corson - James Marini

Travis

Vbs

Last week we had our most well attended Vbs ever

Thank the helpers

Intro: Thanks for coming today, if this is your first time here, we just want you to know that we’re happy to have you and we hope you’re blessed today...In the light of what we’ve been teaching your kids this past week, I figure it’s good for us as a church to discuss the same topic...

Theme: Gospel And Racial Reconciliation - Eph 2

(FCF) In his book the third option Miles Mcperson highlights a clearly seen yet under discussed issue in our culture…we live in a “us and them” culture

(FCF) In his book the third option pastor Miles Mcperson highlights a clearly seen yet under discussed issue in our culture…we live in a “us and them” culture

Everyone has an “in group”

Let me explain - Everyone has an “in group”

You can have more than oneBut we’re all in oneIt starts at a young age right? - Illustration - In high-school you see these groups forming - Jocks, geeks, cools, smart kids, funny kids, drama…all these groupsWherever you fall in those Categories that becomes your “in group” Whoever is not in that in group automatically becomes a part of your “out group”Once we identify our in-group, we tend to apply an “in-group bias.” This is the often subconscious tendency for us to give preference to people we perceive as being part of our group. This preferential treatment is associated with an increased level of trust, patience, benefit of the doubt, interest, and comfort around those in our in-groupNow, there are many different examples of this but the most obvious one that of Race

It starts at a young age right? - Illustration - In high-school you see these groups forming - Jocks, geeks, cools, smart kids, funny kids, drama…all these groups

And depending on your make up…you fall into one of those categories and they become your “In group” - Thats not a bad thing

That in an of itself is not bad... Whoever is not in that in group automatically becomes a part of your “out group”Once we identify our in-group, we tend to apply an “in-group bias.”

But because of our fallen condition those who are not in our “in group” automatcially become our “out group" in which we disrespect, we stereo type, we never give the benefit of the doubt. we stay away from, we fear, we think are inferior to our “In group”

We don’t see them as individuals…we simply refer to them as “Them”

This preferential treatment is associated with an increased level of trust, patience, benefit of the doubt, interest, and comfort around those in our in-groupNow, there are many different examples of this but the most obvious one that of Race

Now, there are many different examples of this but the most obvious one that of Race

Though is an ongoing issue for hundreds of years in our country

And it hasn’t just been a black and white issue…theres devision everywhere

And the church who should be the example in this matter is no better

And the church who should be the example in this matter is some times is no better

There is fearful assumption

Martin Luther King said this…and it still rings true

There’s Institutionalized racism - This exists when one group withholds from another group access to basic needs…

There’s Institutionalized racism

The Chinese exclusion act of the early 1900’s

This

“The most segregated hour of the week is 11am Sunday morning”

The Juan crow laws that lead to the lynching of Mexicans and Latinos starting in 1842

300 years of slavery in the south

There’s Personalized Racism - When one individual dishonors another based on their race. these things can be subtle or avert

There’s Personalized Racism - When one individual dishonors another based on their race.

(Prop) All that to say…we are still a divided people…we have our in groups and out groups…but though we live in a divided world the gospel has made it very possible for us to not only experience reconciliation with God, but also to experience reconciliation with those who are divided with us

(Prop) All that to say…we are still a divided people…but there’s hope because the gospel has made it very possible for us to not only experience reconciliation with God, but also to experience reconciliation with those who we are divided from...

All of this leads to Internalized Racism - This might be the most be damaging of all because…for some people they have been so subjected to voices of hatred, that they began to say these things to themselves and the internal voice stays with them even after the external voice is gone

“At the age of thirteen, Jerry came to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico. He secured a job working in the fields, but his accent was so heavy that the Mexican workers who had been in the US longer and considered themselves “Americanized” mocked him, calling him a “Dirty Mexican.” The attacks were so bad that he vowed never to subject his family to that form of hatred again. Consequently, he forbade his children from learning Spanish, and then took it further by refraining from eating Mexican food in public.

Today his thirty-one-year-old grandson Travis, who is half-Mexican and half-White, cannot speak Spanish. And because of it, he has been mocked by other Mexican Americans who accuse him of not being Mexican enough. To Whites, he’s Mexican; and to Mexicans, he’s White (and all I can say is: I feel you, brother!). Not only does he not know the language, but he is also disconnected from his Mexican culture.”

(Prop) All that to say…we are still a divided people…we have our in groups and out groups…but though we live in a divided world the gospel has made it very possible for us to not only experience reconciliation with God, but also to experience reconciliation with those who are divided with us

Here’s a hint to where we are going today…”In order for racial reconciliation to truly take place we must meet at the common ground that the gospel has provided for the entire human race”

Here’s a hint to where we are going today…

“In order for racial reconciliation to truly take place in our midst we must be willing to meet each other at the common ground of the cross”

Context: Paul here is addressing some Gentile (Non Jewish) christians in a city called Ephesus…and he’s reminding them of who they were…and what God has done for them…and then a little later he’s gonna speak to about what that now means for them and those in their “out group” (The Jews)

Jew and Gentiles had lots of issues with each other - In fact it was said that the religious leaders of the jews would wake up every morning and prayer a prayer similar to this “Lord I thank that I’m not a tax collector, a women, or a gentile”

So this morning, we’re looking at and we’re gonna see what gospel provides for us…and what that should mean…

So the gospel provides the human race 3 big things:

The Gospel provides peace with God

The Gospel provides peace withinThe Gospel provides peace with each other

The Gospel provides peace within

The Gospel provides peace with each other

Jew and Gentiles had lots of issues with each other - In fact it was said that the religious leaders of the jews would wake up every morning and prayer a prayer similar to this “Lord I thank that I’m not a tax collector, a women, or a gentile”

Context: Paul here is addressing some christians in a church called Ephesus…and he’s reminded them of who they were…and what God has done for them…and then a little later he’s gonna speak to about what that does for those who are in their “out group”

It’s important to understand…before you can have peace with anyone else, you need peace with God”

ePH 2:

Context: Paul here is addressing some christians in a church called Ephesus…and he’s reminded them of who they were…and what God has done for them…and then a little later he’s gonna speak to about what that does for those who are in their “out group”

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

EPH 2:1-

So Paul is reminding these christians of where they came from...

You know we’re come from different places, some were born in America, some were not, some were born wealthy some were not, some born in 2 parents families some were not…so in those ways way we are incredibly different…and that’s the same with these christians here in Emphasis, it was a port town people coming and going…But notice here, that Paul tells us we all came from the same pace…SIN

Illustration: You know we’re come from different places, some were born in America, some were not, some were born wealthy some were not, some born in 2 parents families some were not…so in those ways way we are incredibly different…and that’s the same with these christians here in Emphasis, it was a port town people coming and going…But notice here, that Paul tells us we all came from the same pace…SIN

Paul says We were “dead men walking” v.1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins - Now theirs lots of descriptive words that the bible uses to describe someone spiritual condition before they know the grace that is found in Jesus Christ - Blind - Sick - Lost…but perhaps none more powerful then this discription i think of it as someone being “dead in their trespasses…

Think about that: Once you on death row, You’re living but your condemned to die

We deserved it - V.3 call us children of wrath - In other words...We often like to think of ourselves as innately good people who do bad things, but the bible tells us…no you’re not an innately good person who does bad things, your an innately bad person who from time to time does good things

We deserved it - V.3 call us children of wrath, in other words we are born into sin which is a debt we we acquired from our original parents (Adam and Eve) and one that we continue to acquire because we break God’s law

In other words we are born into sin which is a debt we we acquired from our original parents (Adam and Eve) and one that we continue to acquire because we break God’s law

in other words we are born into sin which is a debt we we acquired from our original parents (Adam and Eve) and one that we continue to acquire because we break God’s law

We were following the wrong leader - V.2 “following the prince of the air” This is a reference to Satan…and Jesus said satan wants to do nothing but to steal kill and destroy, but I come that you might have life, but before coming to Jesus, Satan who hates us was our guide

We were following the wrong leader - V.2 “following the prince of the air” Jesus said satan wants to do nothing but to steal kill and destroy, but I come that you might have life, but before coming to Jesus, Satan who hates us was our guide

Here’s the point: We’re are not good people who just stumbled upon hatred and racism and selfishness and pride....no

We’re just doing what comes nature…because we’re sinners…far from God...

Why is that important to understand? - Because be fore we can even begin to find the cure we must first diagnose the sickness…and the sickness that has created all things wicked (including In group bias and racism) is Sin

So we’re sinners…far away But then Paul tells us what Jesus did...

App: Here’s the first thing that you have i in common with every person on this (not just followers of Jesus) is brokenness we’re all dead men walking, we all deserve it, we were all enslaved to a wicked master

So we’re sinners…far away But then Paul tells us what Jesus did...

App: Here’s the first thing that you have i in common with every person on this (not just followers of Jesus) is brokenness we’re all dead men walking, we all deserve it, we were all enslaved to a wicked master

Ephesians 2:5 ESV

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Ephesians 2:4–5 ESV

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Paul says are you tweaked deep within? yes..but God is rich in mercy…are you deserving of death? yes but God is great in his love…were you a dead man walking yes? yes but Jesus Christ Died so that you could be made alive…and the reason was not because you and I were something to write home about…By grace we have been saved

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Application: Here’s the first thing that you have i in common with every person on this earth…We are all sinners...wicked by nature, enemies of God…But God made a way though Jesus Christ for us to be reconciled with Him

App: Christian, when was the last time you rejoiced over the fact that the brokenness of this world won’t brake you…heaven is your home…

And if you don’t know Jesus, you need to hear that things like death and sickness, and the brokenness of this world don’t need to be your complete undoing…Jesus want’s you to know the anchoring peace of knowing that you your room is ready and you have a destination in heaven waiting for you

Understand this - before you have a race issue, or a lust issue, or a pride or greed issue…You have a God issue…You need to be reconciled to God…and God has made a way to be at peace with him…

So faith in the gospel provides peace with God…look what else it provides...

So Paul says in verse 5 by grace God has saved us…and look what else

Ephesians 2:5–10 ESV

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:4–10 ESV

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:6–10 ESV

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

eph 2:5

There are 3 big things spoken about here…Forgiveness, Identity, Purpose

These verses highlight 3 big things in about a believers life that bring about incredible peace...we’re saved by grace…we’re called to a purpose…we know were we’re going

Let’s talk about those for a minute:

These verses highlight 3 big things in about a believers life that bring about incredible peace...we’re saved by grace…we’re called to a purpose…we know were we’re going

Let’s talk about those for a minute:

We a new Identity - v.6,7,10 “We are In Christ” - When Jesus spoke about identity, Jesus said in , “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit…and this is what happens when we come to Jesus in faith and respond to the gospel, It transforms us from dead in our trespasses to sons and daughters of God

But here’s the beauty of the gospel - It transforms

Illustration: I think most bigotry comes out of a sense of inferiority…when people say “what you think you’re better then me?” what their really saying is “I think your better than me”

“

But here’s the beauty of the gospel - It transforms

From dead in our trespasses to sons and daughters of God

We’re saved by God’s grace…and

You know most bigotry is birthed about of a sense of Inferiority…but once you know you are in Christ that issue is settle

We’re saved by God’s grace - One the things that the bible constantly teaches us is that Salvation is not a wage to be earned…but rather a gift that is to be recieved…

How does that bring peace? Because a salvation that’s earned is a salvation that can be lost, and thats exhausting way to live

You’re always afraid that your gonna lose it

But Paul says - “v.5 By grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus”

App: There is an incredible peace that comes from knowing that you didn’t have to earn God’s love...

App: And in also helps us to be gracious with others who have hurt us

We’re here for God’s purpose - 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them - God saves us not merely to save us from the wrath we rightly deserve, but also to make something beautiful of us. We are His workmanship, which translates the ancient Greek word poema. The idea is that we are His beautiful poem. The Jerusalem Bible translates workmanship as “work of art.”

“We are his workmanship” - God saves us not merely to save us from the wrath we rightly deserve, but also to make something beautiful of us. We are His workmanship, which translates the ancient Greek word poema. The idea is that we are His beautiful poem. The Jerusalem Bible translates workmanship as “work of art.”

God saves us not merely to save us from the wrath we rightly deserve, but also to make something beautiful of us. We are His workmanship, which translates the ancient Greek word poiema. The idea is that we are His beautiful poem. The Jerusalem Bible translates workmanship as “work of art.”

Created for good works - Paul says Jesus not only saves you, and transforms you, but he calls you into a life of purpose and meaning...

We know we’re we are going - Paul says God ha “seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus v.6” - This speaks of our present spiritual position “In Christ”

App: There are many people who think that it’s some noble thing to think of yourself as nothing, but true gospel centered humility is not about thinking of yourself as nothing…but rather to see yourself as God sees you…underserving....But beautiful in Christ Jesus

“We have a right to the kingdom of God, anticipate this glory, and are indescribably happy in the possession of this salvation, and in our fellowship with Christ Jesus.”

It’s so important to understand that you cannot understand the first 10 verses without reading the next group of verses…their married together…because now we get to what the gospel has provided for

App: Because of God’s grace, we’ve been transformed, called to purpose…and heaven is our destination

Application: Here’s the 2nd big thing we have in common, Though the gospel humanity has answers to some of lives toughest questions…questioned like “I am loved?…Who am i and Whats my purpose?…what happens after I die…No matter who we are…we have peace within when it comes to those big questions

It’s important for us to see that

Ephesians 2:11–12 ESV

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

eph 2:

Whats Paul referencing here? He wants this church of Gentiles (Non Jews) to remember that they were a part of the “out group”…for the jews because they were “the uncircumcision” or non Jews…and part of God’s “out group” because of their sin...

But look what Jesus did...

Ephesians 2:13–14 ESV

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

eph 2:13-

Before Jesus…all we know is separation and hostility…but through Jesus death on the cross, those who come to faith are brought near....to him…and to each other

App: Do you see what Paul is saying here? God’s work of reconciliation is not only between God and the individual, though it must begin there. It is also between groups of people that are at odds, such as Jews and Gentiles were in the days of Paul.

No matter what our differences might be…No matter the hostel it has been in the past or in the present…we have a means of peace…Jesus him

but how did he do it?

Ephesians 2:15 ESV

15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

So the source of contention between Jew and Gentile was the fact that the Gentiles did not keep the law. But since Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, and since He bore the penalty for our failure to keep the law, we are reconciled through His work on the cross…

Ephesians 2:15–16 ESV

15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

So the source of contention between Jew and Gentile was the fact that the Gentiles did not keep the law. But since Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, and since He bore the penalty for our failure to keep the law, we are reconciled through His work on the cross…

And by doing that, he gave us a greater identity - One preceded things like jew or gentile, black or white, man or women…spiritually speaking…He see us as a blood bought family, the sons and the daughters of God.

Eph 2

Ephesians 2:17 ESV

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

Ephesians 2:17–18 ESV

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Paul’s says “the same message that saves Jew will be the same message that saves a Gentile”.... No matter the race, no matter the socio economic surrounding, no matter culture you grew up in…there is one message that saves…one message that reconciles us to the Lord and ultimately to each other....it’s the Gospel

Paul’s says “the same message that saves Jew will be the same message that saves a Gentile”

App: No matter the race, no matter the socio economic surrounding, no matter culture you grew up in…there is one message that saves…one message that reconciles us to the Lord and ultimately to each other....it’s the Gospel

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father - Usually When conflict arises among Christian groups of different backgrounds, It’s because some one forget that they were saved by the same gospel message and that they have the same access to God. One or both groups usually feel they have superior access to God.

ii. When conflict arises among Christian groups of different backgrounds, you can be sure that they forget that they were saved by the same gospel and that they have the same access to God. One or both groups usually feel they have superior access to God.

Whoever you are, you have to come though the door...

John 10:7 ESV

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

ESV7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

This is Jesus saying…They way into God’s flock is not through keeping the 613 rules…it’s not through…He’s saying that the only way to be part of God’s flock is through him.

This is Jesus saying…They way into God’s flock is not through keeping the 613 rules…it’s not through…He’s saying that the only way to be part of God’s flock is through him. App: There are not many paths or many doors to God. There is a single door to God, and that door is Jesus himself.Illustrate: Many people get offended by this part of the bible…they don’t like the singularity of the gospel message…but my response is, “what do you want me to do…lie?…facts are stubborn things”It is only though Jesus that we get to call ourselves the people of God…the family of christ…And that in and of it’s self is a tremendous display of Grace on God’s behalf

App: There are not many paths or many doors to God. There is a single door to God, and that door is Jesus himself.

Illustrate: Many people get offended by this part of the bible…they don’t like the singularity of the gospel message…but my response is, “what do you want me to do…lie?…facts are stubborn things”It is only though Jesus that we get to call ourselves the people of God…the family of christ…And that in and of it’s self is a tremendous display of Grace on God’s behalf

So what does all of this mean? well Paul tells us

Eph

Ephesians 2:19–22 ESV

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19–20 ESV

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

Paul says “Through the gospel the separation is over…theres no more in group or out group…we’re just one big house”

Build on God’s word

And Jesus holds it all together as the cornerstone - The Cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

App: In that same way Jesus our cornerstone is the foundation of the church - His Death and Resurrection - His message - His example - His Spirit

Ephesians 2:21–22 ESV

21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Paul says…because of the gospel not only are we the household of God…but we’re the house…the house that God is building

Illustration: you know there was a time when Man united to together to build a house for themselves…a tower in fact....Geneses 11 tells us of an attempt by all the people of earth to come together and build a tower…now there were 2 sins commited in this endeavor…the sin of disobedience (God told them to scatter and they wouldn’t) and pride (Let’s make a name for ourselves)

So you have man united together…but their united against God…So God confuses their language and scatters them

But in you have this other picture of a humble and needy people who obeyed God’s word and waited upon God’s Spirit…who were filled with God’s spirit, God’s fire rested upon each one of them (Just like the fire in God’s temple) and this was God’s way of the new age was coming where He wouldn’t make his home in a temple, He would make his home in the hearts of people who have come to him by faith

And that day because the empowering of the Spirit thousands of people from every tribe tongue and nations gather

He called it the “Unbabaling of the Babel at Pentecost”

Here’s the point: When Man tries to build it

So these Guys are in the upstairs room in Jerusalem

Here’s the point: When Man tries to build it

Here’s the point: When Man builds the house…we scatter…but when God’s build the house…we gather

Conclusion: So there it is…God through the gospel has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him and reconciled to one another...

But this is what I know, the power is not in the knowing....it’s in the doing…so I want to give you 3 questions that I would love you to ask yourself today pertaining to this topic:

In that event you had man, Informed by their wisdom, powered by their strentgh, to build a tower for the their glory and the confounds their languages and scatters them...

And I don’t this applies to just race…this can apply

Here you have people who are informed by Jesus’ wisdom, powered by his spirit, with a heart to build his kingdom…and the nations gether before them

How does the bible see us?

We’re made in the image of God

We’re all broken

It’s Jesus’ that we be that we be friends

He called it the “Unbabaling of the Babel at Pentecost”

You will never truly reach out to another culture if you believe there is nothing to learn from other them

“Let me pose this question another way: Do you believe there is nothing to learn from other cultures, especially those you are biased against? If the answer is yes, then all I have to say is, Wow! We’d all love to learn from your culture. But if your answer is No, I think I can learn from others, then you’re on your way to a whole new cultural adventure”

No race has the market on every facet of life

Be a humble learner

It’s true we are all born sinners and we really need no help learning how to judge others, but whats also true is that “Your culture will dictate what your bias against”

If you grew up in a racist family, you might have some of those tendancies

If you grew up in a judgmental and loveless church, you might have some of that harshness towards people who arn’t like you still lingering

But you will never move away from those tendencies if your unwilling to acknowledge where they originated

Wether a racal “out group” or “lifestyle out-group” or a “church out group”

You learn that some of your assumptions were wrong

Every conversations becomes an education

Gospel Reconciliation

The Gospel provides peace with God

The Gospel provides peace within

The Gospel provides peace with one another

Do I see those from different cultures the way the bible sees them?

Do I feel as though my culture is better than every other culture?

Am I willing to admit that my culture has had a negative effect on the way I perceive other cultures?

Am I willing to befriend someone belonging to a culture I have had an issue with in the past?

Gospel Reconciliation

The Gospel provides peace with God

The Gospel provides peace within

The Gospel provides peace with one another

​

Do I see those from different cultures the way the bible sees them?

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Do I feel as though my culture is better than every other culture?

Am I willing to admit that my culture has had a negative effect on the way I perceive other cultures?

Am I willing to befriend someone belonging to a culture I have had an issue with in the past?